The best wildlife photographers are masters at getting close to the animals they photograph, yet also keeping their distance and respecting nature. It’s a tricky balance that can feel like a contradiction. If you’re photographing lions and tigers, avoiding disruption can be a matter of personal safety. However, when it comes to most animals, it’s the photographer who poses the larger threat. It’s all too easy to damage habitats or frighten your photo subjects, even when you have the best intentions.